Giovanni Trapattoni praises Italy boss Cesare Prandelli

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has praised Italy coach Cesare Prandelli ahead of the sides' Group C clash.

Trapattoni's side are already out of the competition and face Italy in their last game of the competition on Monday night.

The 73-year-old lavished praise upon Prandelli, cliaming that he has brought a sense of professionalism and respect to the Azzurri since taking over as coach.

"Prandelli's done a very good job," Trapattoni stated at a press conference.

"He's given the squad a sense of professionalism, of respect. Italy qualified in excellent fashion.

"He's demonstrated he's very wise, shown by how he's dealt with the players, and I had great respect for him as a player, and now as a coach."

Prandelli became Italy's manager in 2010, taking over from Marcelo Lippi.